Critical Minerals: Russian Ministry of Mineral Development: Two Mines in the RF Could Supply the World with Rare Earth Metals
Oleg Kazanov, head of the Russian Ministry of Mineral Development, told Sputnik in an interview ahead of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that the Lovozero and Tomtor mines could supply not only Russia but also the entire world with rare earth metals.
He pointed out that 11 million tons of the 28.5 million tons of rare earth metal reserves in Russia are concentrated in two mines: the Lovozero mine (7 million tons) located in the Murmansk region and the Tomtor mine (4 million tons) in Yakutia.
"Overall, these two projects can meet both domestic and global demand," Kazanov said. "In addition, there are unallocated resource blocks and technogenic ore sources that have not been included in Russia's proven reserves of 28.5 million tons."
He explained that although the Lovozero mine has a lower ore grade, it has the greatest potential - there is an operational Lovozero concentrator complex and sufficient power supply. The mining area has a long history of extraction.
The Tomtor mine is divided into several sections, the largest of which (the Brany section) has abnormally rich ores and has already been listed as allocated mineral reserves. The mine is ready for extraction but has not yet started actual mining operations.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will be held on June 18-21.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835239220039756/
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